maxgee

I just bought a 95 LS400 with 170k miles on it. Test drive went fine...but now I AM STUCK on the side of the road with a slipping tranny. I checked the fluid level and it's at the half way mark...could it just be low on fluid? I am going to walk to a Auto Parts store to get some fluid and see what happens...if you guys can please chime in and give me your thoughts....does it need tranny???? My labtop has about 40 minutes left on the battery.
Worse comes to worse, I will have to get it towed.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

is it slipping in all the gears?

DO NOT USE TRANNY FLUID, IT WILL NOT WORK.

you need to use Toyota T-IV ONLY, Dexron and etc... will NOT work. if that was what was previously put into the car its very likely why its slipping.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

As Pure stated, only use the Toyota type IV fluid. Best to have it towed then.

These trannies are sensitive to under and over filling. (Been there done that.) Thankfully they are well built and near bullet proof. After a proper fluid level fill, you should be fine.

maxgee

I finally got it home. I let it sit for 1.5hrs while I searched for Toyota T IV at the local auto parts and Walmart...nada
When I got back in, it drove fine...cruised 20miles at 75mph/2500rpm (not sure what it should be @ that speed) and when I got off the exit at the light, when pulling away it started acting up again. I tried all the gears even reverse and slipping. I will get the correct fluid this weekend and do the flush. Hope that's it...thanks guys for the info on the fluid type.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

T-IV fluid is only available from Lexus and Toyota dealerships. get it from toyota, they charge less most of the time. make sure to flush.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Don't wait that long to get the fluid. Even if you plan to flush it on the weekend, it needs the proper level to function properly...you wouldn't want to risk damage.

maxgee

It's going to sit til I get it done.

omarg

good luck with your tranny! I'm sure you'll be ok. keep us posted.

maxgee

Took it to my mech this morning and told him the symptoms. Drives fine for a little while, then progressively gets worse and fwd movement in any gear nor reverse. He says sounds to him that the clutch bands in the tranny are peeling off and getting stuck into the filter...when you turn the car off and give it sometime, the depris settles but then is kicked up around again and after awhile they are getting stuck into the filter again. I asked him what he thought about just flushing it out and putting in new fluid...he thought that might last for a day or so but wouldn't cure the clutch bands from peeling. I'm thinking of having him flush it anyway...what do you guys think?

Och

iTrader: (3)

Defenately flush it, couldn't hurt. And if that doesn't help, I would get a hold of the seller and get him to buy the lemon back.

KayGee

I'm not trying to stir the pot, but why would you say that it is a lemon. It is a 95 with 170K miles. Things wear out and need replacement.

uncle_el

add to that a used car sold between 2 private parties is understood (by law) to be sold in "as-is" condition, unless there was specific language between the two parties to the contrary.

maxgee

I think I'm going to try the flush. Do you guys know if the SC400 has the same tranny?

Och

iTrader: (3)

Well, if the seller failed to mention transmission problems, and the transmission problems occured the same day... obviously it's a lemon.

maxgee

Update: Had the tranny flushed and filter changed and all appears good.
I put about 40 miles most of it traffic and all is running good. ... so far so good.